SPNDX GRAVEL VOL. 1 WRAP UP

Over a warm Saturday in Temecula, CA the brave Stampeder’s set out to embark on the second Gravel Stampede; fourth SPNDX Stampede total, but for this it would be the SPNDX Stampede Gravel vol. 1. edition. Based in the rolling hills behind Temecula wine country there are countless roads for riders to traverse onto and an endless amount of future possible new Gravel routes. Going in a different direction from other events SPNDX looks to focus on not just a good route but a shorter route so that riders aren’t out all day on course and can really enjoy the post ride festivities that are on tap.

To focus on all the small details as well as providing a top notch venue and an atmosphere where participants can really enjoy themselves post ride. We would rather have riders out on course for only a few hours then most of the day so that they can come back and have a good laugh over a drink telling their stories of what they incurred while out on their ride.

Other then the warm July temperatures the event went flawless mainly due to all of our great volunteers that came together on the day to help the riders at the sag stops and help with everything else that came up. The post ride food was well received with full bar service as well. The event wound down with live music and more story telling while gathering more feedback on how to improve the event further for next time around.

Thank you to everyone who came out to support the event and we look forward to seeing everyone at the next Stampede which will be held November 12th at Lorimar Winery. Registration has now been open.

Registration for the SPNDX Stampede Gravel Vol. 2 can be foundhere. Limited to 200 participants.

The SPNDX Stampede was super fun! Living in the I.E. I was prepped for the warm temperatures and I knew that we could click off the 50 mile course in quick order. I had a blast from the start to finish while riding the event with several long time friends and a few of my clients. We put the route on our Garmins and were able to follow it flawlessly which made for smooth sailing all morning. Even without directions the markings on course were top notch and easy to follow.

I was impressed that within a 50 mile route there were three aid stations with any and everything we would need to make it through. I would for sure come back to this event, event multiple times a year. The distance was perfect for the normal rider who has a 9-5 job and full life, giving them a chance to crank out a sweet ride and get back to other duties in the afternoon without being knackered. That is of course after some great food and beverages with friends before heading home.

I would highly recommend this route to my athletes who haven’t tried many events or are interested in what all this gravel madness is all about. Nothing was too prohibitive on the course which meant you could rip it or not be too far in over your head. All in all it was a great event and thanks to the SPNDX Stampede for the stacks of $1 dollar bills for being the first female finisher. I might just put some that back into the Vol. 2 edition in the fall.

Joy McCulloch // Professional Cyclist, Big Wheel Coaching

The SPNDX Stampede Gravel Grinder is an event not too miss out on. The wine country roads being as big and wide as they are will test your skills and then some. Having the well stocked aid stations on hand and the finish which takes you through the Temecula wineries was a great time.

Ryan Hughes // Former Professional Motocross Racer

The experience was excellent on on multiple levels. The SPNDX Stampede is an event worth getting your early entry in for. The ride treats you like a one of a kind event and there is stock to take in that. The venue is always pristine to roll out and hyperventilate back to. Amazing post ride food and drinks to help you properly recovery from the ride. The course is legitimately so much fun. Anyone who wants to just ride it, the layout is conducive for such. Racing the event if you choose requires good pacing and a bit of heads up focus. The dirt roads offer such variety over the entire ride. Overall the gravel grinder is becoming a staple in the calendar. You would be hard pressed to find a better event to ride, it was insane.